Tinubu restricts UNGA attendance to essential officials

August 17, 2024.

By Samuel Ogunsona

As part of the effort to reduce the cost of Governance in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive restricting United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) attendees to essential officials with crucial business at the meeting.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, in Abuja on Saturday, during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.

The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) will open on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.

Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Staff said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.

Honourable Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.

”I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.

”During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.

”From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.

”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President,” he said.

The Chief of Staff urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently” he said.